Specialized Memory Care Dining

Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia have a terrible impact on the senses, particularly taste and smell. This, in turn, can lead to real challenges when it comes to mealtimes. Residents may not want to eat, and even if they do, they may have any number of obstacles to a nutritious diet. The Fremont’s robust dining strategy for memory care runs right to the root of the community, built straight from the ground up with these challenges in mind.

Open Air Kitchen

Starting with the open air kitchen, we look at dining from a broader perspective than just sitting down for a meal. Imagine waking to the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee wafting through the air. Then comes the crackle of frying bacon and the sizzling of pancakes and sausage. Finally, the artfully plated meal is set down, ready to be savored. By involving residents in each facet of the meal preparation even before they sit down to eat, we are able to take advantage of all of the senses over a longer period to foster an improved appetite.

Creative Solutions

Our goal is to think outside the box to find solutions to the issues associated with changing taste buds, loss of appetite, and physical deterrents to eating to ensure our residents are properly nourished. We provide encouragement as needed, but also involve a combination of new flavors and comfort foods as part of the dining experience. Families are often surprised when a resident enjoys a flavor or spice they may never have liked in the past – and residents enjoy the experience with the sustenance they need to thrive.

Routine & Consistency

Variety may be the spice of life, but consistency is key. This means meals happen at the same time following the same triggers every day. Doing so not only creates appetite routines through the sights and smells of food but also by cueing to other residents. We also make efforts throughout the day to ensure residents are well hydrated.